Bouzas, after her great debut in Madrid: "I am a completely different player from last year"

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On the third shift of the first day of the women's draw of the Mutua Madrid Open, Jessica Bouzas made an appearance at the Manolo Santana Court, the same place where she made herself known last year by defeating Paula Badosa in the first round. It has been a year since that feat, and the Galician confesses to being a different player since then. Along the way, there's her victory over Marketa Vondrousova, who was defending her title at Wimbledon on the first day on the Centre Court in London. Also noteworthy is her consolidation in the Top 100 and her first Billie Jean King Cup as Spain's number one last week. In Madrid, the 72nd in the WTA rankings, starts off on the right foot after defeating Mayar Sheriff (6-3, 6-1).

Always a tough opponent

"The result does not reflect what the match was like. Mayar Sheriff is a very intense and tough player, and I knew it was going to be a very hard match. We've trained together many times and have known each other for quite a while, so I'm very happy with how I played."

In a great moment both in tennis and ranking

"I'm at a very good point in my career; I'm in the top 100. Settling in and competing in these kinds of tournaments is becoming a norm for me, and I think that's super positive. This tournament comes around, and I have good expectations and a lot of desire to do well and enjoy it. I dream of winning this Mutua Madrid Open."

Unforgettable experience in the Billie Jean King Cup

"Above all, what stayed with me was the week I had. The whole team made it very easy, not just me. There were many debutant players, and it was not an easy situation. But in my case, I was super comfortable, and I think it showed in the results, being able to play freely with my team supporting me."

About mental health and Sara Sorribes' break

"I think it's a very important issue. From a closer perspective, we saw how Sara Sorribes showed that appearances can be deceiving. In the end, you see a player who competes and keeps winning, and who has to keep giving to tennis, but when your mind tells you otherwise. This sport demands a lot mentally, and sometimes the mind says stop. But it's important to seek help, and Sara is someone who has always sought a lot of help in her psychological work. I also do it, and I think everyone should, and that's the most fundamental part of all this, seeking happiness beyond a job."

Not seen as the top favorite among the Spaniards

"Each of the Spanish players will try to give their best. In the end, I never put that pressure on myself or anything like that. I come here to play just like I did last year, and I hope to come next year. I follow my path; it's a long-term race, not just day by day. Personally, I will try to do the best I can."

A different player

"Throughout this year, I have grown a lot. Not only as a player but also as a person. I think I have lived experiences, both good and bad, that have made me learn and grow a lot. I've had ups and downs, but that's where you learn the most. I'm a completely different player from last year."

Challenge of playing against a Sheriff who had just won the ITF W 100 in Madrid

"Tennis is always unpredictable. In the end, each week is a different world, and some players have great results one week and then not so good the next. I focused a lot because I knew she had played several matches in Madrid, so I concentrated a lot on myself, working on it, and discussing it with my coach."

Playing at home with public support

"This year has been different. We travel a lot, and having a tournament at home where I can feel the warmth of the crowd is greatly appreciated. I've been surprised by all the affection I've received," says Bouzas, who prefers to take it one match at a time but aims to surprise in the home tournament.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Bouzas, tras su gran debut en Madrid: "Soy una jugadora totalmente distinta a la del año pasado"